Daylight Saving Time: Spring Maintenance Tasks for Renters

It’s almost time to spring your clocks forward. Besides changing your clocks and testing your smoke detectors, this may also be a great time to tackle some of those maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off in your apartment. Here are four to-dos you may want to consider this time of year.

1. Check and Replenish Your Emergency Kit

When was the last time you looked at and updated your apartment emergency kit? If the answer is never, you may want to take a peek. Dispose of any expired food or medicine and replace them with new items, says Ready.gov. You may also want to adjust what is in your kit if there have been any significant changes in your family, such as having a baby or getting a new pet. If an emergency happens, you’ll be glad your kit is up to date when you need it most.

2. Get a Carpet Cleaning

Typically, carpets collect dust mites, pet hair and other allergens no matter how much you vacuum. You may improve the cleanliness of your apartment by having the carpets cleaned professionally, especially if you’ve tracked in snow or salt residue on shoes and boots during the winter. Some landlords or management companies may provide one carpet cleaning per year or two, but they may not readily offer it unless you ask. You may be eligible after a year or when you renew your lease. Check your lease or talk to your landlord about whether carpet cleaning is included in your rental agreement. If it is not included, ask your landlord if you can hire a professional cleaner or rent a carpet cleaner yourself.

3. Clean Your Appliances

No matter how many appliances your apartment comes with, you may want to consider giving them a good cleaning. Try cleaning your washing machine or refrigerator to help keep them in working order and fight off tough odors. Don’t forget to vacuum under and behind appliances to help get rid of any dust that’s built up over time. If you’re unable to get behind your appliances, submit a maintenance request with your landlord to have it done for you.

4. Sweep Your Balcony or Porch

As the temperatures start to rise, it may be a good time to brush away any cobwebs and other dirt from the winter and get your porch or balcony ready for spring. You may also want to clean your grill or any patio cushions you may have had in storage. Cleaning up now will let you enjoy the lounging and entertaining as soon as the weather is warm enough.

Setting your clocks forward is just another sign that spring and summer are right around the corner. Hopefully, you and your apartment will be ready for the new seasons with these four maintenance tips.

It’s almost time to spring your clocks forward. Besides changing your clocks and testing your smoke detectors, this may also be a great time to tackle some of those maintenance tasks you’ve been putting off in your apartment. Here are four to-dos you may want to consider this time...